This course is an introduction to the social, historical, and ethical contexts of knowledge, science, technology & Society. Although science and technology are perhaps the defining features of contemporary Western society, all cultures have distinct forms of knowledge and technical practices, which reflect their relationships to the natural world and other peoples. In this course we will discuss a range of questions relevant to scientists, engineers, and the general public, about the causes and contents of scientific and technical information, basing these discussions on a broad historical understanding of science and technology in various cultures. |